“Baby girl, let me tell you, with that make up on, and that pretty dress on you, you look like you’re fifteen or sixteen years old. And I’m not ready for that,” Havoc said, walking over to hug Harley.
Harley grinned and hugged her daddy. “I just wanted to dress up a little. I’m not going anywhere looking like this so you can relax.”
“Nope. I still know it’s coming soon. I’m’a have to beat a boy to make sure he understands not to touch my daughter,” Havoc said, knowing he’d get a rise out of both Harley and Analise.
“Daddy!” Harley cried out.
“Havoc? Really? You are not going to beat a boy. Especially if it’s somebody she likes,” Analise said.
“Those are the ones that need beating the most. Or I can just hold his hand when he comes to visit the day after a date.”
“Hold his hand?” Harley asked.
“Yep. ‘Cause I know at some point he held your hand during the date, so when he comes over next, I’m gonna make him sit beside me and hold my hand to prove that whatever he does to you, I’m doing to him,” Havoc said.
“Mom!” Harley exclaimed.
“He’s not. He’s just making a nuisance of himself,” Analise said. Then she glared at Havoc when she caught his eye. “Stop it!” she mouthed at him.
Havoc pretended not to see her.
“I think you look beautiful, Harley.” Ronan said.
“Do you really?” Harley asked hopefully.
“I do. You’re going to give your daddy a heart attack and I think that’s hilarious,” Ronan said.
“So, do I,” Analise said, smirking at Havoc.
“Family is supposed to support family, not give them ulcers,” Havoc grumbled.
“Mommmmmm!” Matteo yelled.
“I’m in here,” Giada called out.
Seconds later, Matteo along with Leo, Ruger and Lola ran into the living room from the playroom on the first floor.
Ruger threw himself against Ronan’s legs. “Uncle Ronan!”
“Ruger! What are you up to?” Ronan asked.
“Playing,” Ruger said matter-of-factly.
Lola looked up at Harley, then at Giada. “I want some lickstick!” she insisted, climbing up toward where Analise was standing just a stair or two above the floor level.
“You don’t need lickstick. You’re just a little girl, and you’re perfect the way you are,” Analise said.
“I need lick stick! Lick stick, lick stick, lick stick, lick stick,” Lola started chanting.
“Hush!” Analise insisted, taking a stick of cherry flavored chap stick out of her pocket, removing the cap and handing it to Lola.
Matteo came to a screeching halt when he saw his mother. “You’re really pretty, Momma,” Matteo said, throwing himself against her legs to smile up at her adoringly. “Can I get a orange lizard?”
“I’m sorry, what?” Giada asked.
“Like Gerald. I want a orange lizard.”
“He’s an iguana,” Havoc said helpfully.
